Acupuncture

Acupuncture and Addiction

In the early 70s, acupuncture was first used in addiction recovery to reduce the stress addicts were experiencing during recovery, while simultaneously reducing addiction cravings. The addiction community’s work in the 70s was later combined with the traditional methods of Chinese medicine, focusing on management of chronic pain, to create the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA). This association established the guidelines for building a successful practice of acupuncture based on specific pressure points localized in the ear. Enlightened Solutions has embraced this complementary therapy to broaden our spectrum of holistic treatments in serving individuals with substance use disorders.

Alternative methods such as acupuncture build upon the hope that recovery from addictive substances and behaviors is possible. Clients experiencing detox, withdrawal, and post-acute withdrawal symptoms often feel discomfort and have difficulty sleeping. The introduction of acupuncture during this critical initial step of recovery, we can dramatically assist reducing cravings and some of the strong withdrawal symptoms, as well as reduce feelings of distress. Additionally, acupuncture can help induce complete relaxation. During acupuncture sessions, many therapists observe clients becoming so relaxed they often fall asleep. In the beginning stages of recovery, sleep deprivation is one of the more common complaints, therefore, complete relaxation is beneficial.

How Acupuncture Works

Studying the ancient art of Chinese medicine, we look to the balance of nature to bring that Yin and Yang into ourselves. Acupuncture clicks into the lack of Yin within us, and those with addiction suffer from this imbalance in addition to the many other aspects that we address in treatments. It’s theorized that the more out of balance we are with the Yin and Yang, the more our need to abuse substances is substantially increased. During acupuncture treatments, each client will sit back comfortably in a chair and treatment will begin. The acupuncturist will apply needles to five pressure points on both sides of the ears in a process that takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.

What are the five points we focus on in acupuncture for addiction?

The NADA concentrates on five points in the ear as they connect to the central systems that react in stress responses, or those related to the sympathetic nervous system. Targeting these five points will reduce the overactive responses to anxiety and extreme stress that create this need for addiction.

Autonomic Point: A small needle inserted into this pressure point will relax your nerves and calm your system.

Shen Men: This is where we connect with your spirit to relieve any anxiety and nervous responses. Addiction creates chronic anxiety and stress reactions.

Kidney Point: The kidney is vital to your system, so we use this point to promote healing of your organs as well as complete serenity.

Liver Point: Your liver is responsible for removing harsh toxins from the body and purifying your blood. In detox or shortly after, we use this point to support this purification and to calm mood swings, anger, aggression, and aggravation.

Lung Point: In mindfulness and meditation exercises, we focus on the breath and how it moves through the body. This point will help increase the strength of your breath and cleanse the body with extra oxygen; for those holding fast to loss and grief from that loss, this will help them achieve peace.

Benefits of Acupuncture:

Relaxation

Inner peace

Mindfulness

Improved sleep

Lessens mood changes during detox

Reduced cravings

Improved circulation

Improved mood, happiness, and joy

Promotes energy

Relief

Calms emotional trauma

Allows people to let go of their emotional distress

Acupuncture increases your body’s production of endorphins. As an alternative to relying on drugs for this escalation, you can rediscover your body’s ability to be happy naturally. Acupuncture treatments usually occur every few weeks, depending if clients adopt them as relaxing and a beneficial addition to their treatment. We are lucky at Enlightened Solutions to employ Erica Dice as our in-house acupuncturist. Erica worked at a detoxification clinic in the South Bronx and was specially trained to treat individuals struggling with addiction 833-801-LIVE.

Call Enlightened Solutions at to find balance in your Yin and Yang, and curb your post-detox addiction cravings. These alternative treatments in combination with our variety of holistic offerings can make natural recovery possible.

Beginning your recovery

Wherever you find yourself in the recovery process, we'll meet you there and show you the way. Our alternative treatments and individualized therapies are backed by years of experience in the recovery space, as our founders and staff have been through recovery themselves and have built previous programs with years of success. If you're looking for examples of what it's like to find joy in recovery, look to our staff. When you call into our recovery center, a caring recovery specialist will guide you through the next steps of admission and discuss any questions you may have regarding our gender-specific and co-ed programs to find the best fit for you.

Our business philosophy is based on integrity and ethics. We believe in informed consent, that clients and their families will be fully informed of what to expect from our services and any financial arrangements as soon as they express interest in our program. To learn more about our programs and treatments or to find out more about our intervention services for your loved one, call Enlightened Solutions today at 833-801-LIVE.